Natural Remedies for Reducing Gas and Bloating

Acid Reflux In Newborns

Alright this isn't the most comfortable topic to discuss but let's face it, we have all experienced gas and bloating sometime in our life. It is an annoying and sometimes embarrassing condition that can result from poor dietary habits or improper digestion. Some of us may seem more prone to gas and bloating than others but the good news is with some simple dietary changes and natural remedies we can prevent future bouts of gas and relieve current episodes. If you are one who suffers on a regular basis, be sure to check with your health care provider to rule out other causes (Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease etc) before trying any natural remedy.

Acid Reflux In Newborns

One of the easiest solutions is to eliminate foods that are known to cause gas and indigestion such as fried foods, spicy foods, processed foods, fructose and refined sugar. Other common foods that lead to gas and bloating include beans, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, apples and dairy products.

Acid Reflux In Newborns

Here are 6 other remedies for gas and bloating:

Acid Reflux In Newborns

1) Fennel. This delightful vegetable has a mild licorice flavor and can be eaten raw or sauteed. The actual fennel seeds can be crushed and made into a tea by adding boiling water. The fennel seeds can relax the muscles in your digestive track and allow trapped air to pass. Caraway seeds have similar properties and can be added to your meals to help ease gas and indigestion.

2) Organic Ginger. Drinking ginger tea or adding fresh grated ginger root to your foods is one of the best remedies for gas. Try adding some fresh ginger to your next stir fry or smoothie.

3) Take a Probiotic Supplement. Taking a probiotic supplement or eating foods with probiotics (like yogurt) is a great way to get rid of gas. Probiotics have many health benefits and can help keep your colon in optimal working order.

4) Acupuncture. Acupuncture has an effect on every system of our body especially our metabolism. Regular acupuncture treatments can help to regulate your bowels and digestive system to keep everything balanced and running smoothly.

5) Peppermint tea. Peppermint helps to relax digestive muscles. If you are not a particular fan of peppermint tea, peppermint capsules work great as well.

6) Hot Water. Easy enough and it works. About a half a cup of hot water should do the trick.

Hopefully some of these tips will help keep you gas and bloat-free. If you are faced with a bad episode of gas pains, lying on your back and doing the bicycle motion with your legs can help bring instant relief.

Natural Remedies for Reducing Gas and Bloating

Acid Reflux In Newborns

Natural Remedies for Reflux

Acid Reflux In Newborns

Here are a few remedies that will help you, your older child, or your baby to cope with reflux.

Acid Reflux In Newborns

Babies suffering from Reflux
Babies who repeatedly vomit are often diagnosed with reflux. A baby's sphincter muscle opens to allow food to pass through to the baby's stomach and then it closes to keep the food from regurgitating. The sphincter can sometimes inappropriately open and this causes the food and stomach acid to come back up into the baby's oesophagus. If the baby's sphincter muscle does not fully mature at the stomach end of the oesophagus the baby is likely to suffer from recurring vomiting.

Acid Reflux In Newborns

Fortunately, by the end of the third month of a baby's life the sphincter has developed, so a baby is less likely to suffer from reflux once he is three months old.

Acid Reflux In Newborns

How can a Chiropractor help a Baby who suffers from Reflux?
A visit to a chiropractor may help a baby suffering from reflux. In order for your child's stomach to work as best as it can, it requires a properly functioning nervous system. If there is a birth related problem in the baby's nervous system that causes excessive vomiting, a gentle chiropractic adjustment will help the baby. An adjustment may help with your baby's peristalsis working at the correct level.

Natural Home Remedies that may help a Baby Suffering from Reflux
There are a number of easy remedies that may help a baby suffering from reflux to find relief.

When you are feeding your baby, keep the baby held in an upright position. Feed the baby more often, using smaller amounts of breast milk or formula. Burp your baby regularly during feeding as burping will minimize gastric pressure. Nursing mothers should avoid eating chocolate, eating or drinking foods containing caffeine, and eating foods containing garlic.

Your baby may settle in his cot more easily if you elevate the head of the cot by 30 degrees. Try to avoid travelling your baby by car, if he has recently been fed. Sleeping in a car seat can cause reflux because the baby's abdomen is compressed.

Reflux in Older Children and Adults
Older children and adults may also benefit from Chiropractic adjustments. Below are some home remedies that help control reflux for adults and older children.

If you suffer from reflux you may need to look at the type of foods you are consuming. Try to avoid eating spicy foods, foods or drinks that contain caffeine, and chocolate. Limiting your intake of alcohol may help you to control the frequency of your reflux attacks. Carry a packet of hard lollies or an apple with you, when you are away from home. Should you feel uncomfortable after a meal, suck a lolly or take a bite of an apple.

Add a tablespoon of natural cider vinegar to a glass of water. Mix well and drink during your meal instead of drinking plain water, soft drink, or alcohol. Drink decaffeinated coffee, decaffeinated tea or herbal tea after your meal instead of coffee or tea that contains caffeine.

A teaspoon of cold yogurt or milk may help alleviate the burning sensation associated with reflux.

Do not eat or drink before you go to bed. It is best if you do not eat for at least three hours before you lay down.

Follow the simple home remedies to help prevent reflux, so you have fewer and less severe attacks. Babies particularly will benefit from a few minor adjustments to their feeding routines.

By Dr Maria Ananakis (Chiropractor)

Natural Remedies for Reflux

Acid Reflux In Newborns